Jochen Röthel

Jochen Röthel – Guitar Maker

Jochen Röthel is one of Germany’s most renowned luthiers. With his deep-rooted passion for traditional craftsmanship and his pursuit of perfection, he creates concert guitars that impress with their excellent sound quality, precise craftsmanship, and well-balanced tonal aesthetics. In his workshop in Sommerhausen, he handcrafts unique instruments that are highly valued by musicians worldwide.

The Journey of a Master Luthier

Born in 1969 in Kitzingen, Jochen Röthel developed an early affinity for woodworking through his father, a professional carpenter. He began his training as a guitar maker at Lakewood Guitars in Gießen under the guidance of Martin Seeliger, where he also met the renowned luthier Michel Brück. A defining moment in his career was attending a workshop with José Luis Romanillos in Córdoba, Spain, in 1992, which deepened his understanding of the Spanish guitar-making tradition.

After successfully completing his training and obtaining his master’s certification in 1997, Röthel established his own workshop in Sommerhausen, Bavaria. Since then, he has earned a reputation as one of the finest guitar makers, sought after by musicians worldwide.

Jochen Röthel’s Guitars – A Perfect Balance of Tradition and Innovation

Jochen Röthel blends classical craftsmanship with modern techniques. Inspired by historical masters such as Manuel Ramírez, Hermann Hauser, and José Romanillos, he has developed his own signature style—offering powerful, warm tones, excellent projection, and refined aesthetics.

Key Features of His Guitars:

• Lightweight construction for maximum resonance – His guitars are designed to be light while providing remarkable depth and projection.
• Premium tonewoods – Only the finest Alpine spruce, cedar, and rosewood are used to ensure optimal sound quality.
• Spanish construction with modern refinements – Through meticulous study of historical master instruments, Röthel achieves guitars with exceptional response, dynamics, and balance.
• Superior craftsmanship – Each guitar is entirely handcrafted and perfected down to the finest detail.

His guitars are especially favored by soloists due to their pure tone, depth, and expressiveness.

Philosophy – Sound, Aesthetics, and Sustainability

Jochen Röthel follows a clear philosophy: Every guitar should meet the musician’s individual needs and provide a world-class musical experience. Therefore, he emphasizes:

• A perfect balance between volume and clarity – His instruments deliver excellent note separation and outstanding sound projection.
• Sustainability and quality – All tonewoods are responsibly sourced and aged for years before being used.
• Unparalleled craftsmanship – Decades of experience and meticulous attention to detail result in masterpieces that last for generations.

Conclusion – Why Choose a Jochen Röthel Guitar?

A concert guitar by Jochen Röthel is more than just an instrument—it is the result of decades of expertise, masterful craftsmanship, and a deep passion for music and sound. His guitars combine tradition with innovation, offering exceptional playability, tonal depth, and elegance.